Musculi levatores costarum
Small fan-shaped muscles from thoracic transverse processes to the rib below. Assist external intercostals in rib elevation during inspiration.
Origin: Transverse processes of T1-T17
Insertion: Angle of the rib immediately caudal
Action: Elevates the ribs; assists inspiration and lateral flexion
Innervation: Dorsal branches of thoracic spinal nerves
Fixation or inflammation of costovertebral joints affects these muscles, contributing to thoracic stiffness.
Fixation or inflammation of costovertebral joints affects these muscles, contributing to thoracic stiffness. Signs include: Localized stiffness along one side of the ribcage; asymmetric rib movement during breathing; difficulty bending; responds to manual therapy.
See the Levator Muscles of the Ribs on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model